Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Saturday, October 27, 2012

O God, source of all life and hope, grant us the grace to see you in others, especially in the poor and vulnerable, the frail and the old.

Look kindly on your sons and daughters who have grown weak through illness and age: fill them with the strength of your Holy Spirit. Keep them firm in faith and serene in hope, that they might give us all an example of patience and joyfully witness to the power of your love.

We pray for our country and for our Commonwealth of Massachusetts: that we might continue to protect and defend the dignity and worth of every human life, created in your image and likeness.

Assist us as we oppose those who, out of misguided mercy, advance the cause of doctor-assisted suicide.

Help us to recognize that to die with dignity is to die in your loving embrace, trusting in your compassionate care for us, and allowing your will be done in us.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us and help us grow in faith and trust, so that your words might become ours:

"Let it be done to me according to God's will."

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Many thanks to Father Jonathan Gaspar, Director of Divine Worship of the Archdiocese of Boston for this prayer. Please. Vote NO on Question 2 in Massachusetts.)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

There are two really important words in the Ave Maria —the Hail Mary prayer.

NOW. Pray for us sinners, NOW.

And at the hour of our DEATH.

Because there are really only two important times in our lives. NOW. And when we are approaching the final "now."

Not everyone prays the Hail Mary.

Sad, but true. And yet—aside from The Lord's Prayer—this one doesn't get any better. Our job is to get people to Heaven.

So here's what I propose (and many priests already do this):

When concluding the prayers of the faithful—or, as they're also called, the Offertory Intercessions—why not make it a habit to vocally implore Our Lady to intercede for us...to add her wonderful voice... in that amazing prayer called the "Ave Maria?"

Think about it. Not only are you asking Mary to pray for you, but, if everyone prays to her, well...everyone is asking for the same thing:

"Pray for us sinners NOW, and at the hour of our DEATH."

I mean, really. Jesus never denied His Mother anything. That's why the "Hail Mary" is such a great prayer! And if, for whatever reasons, our brethren (to say nothing of our sisthren) aren't in the habit of using this magnificent prayer, what is to stop our celebrants from leading the assembly in doing so?

Pray about this. And maybe encourage your pastor to do the same.

May God, through the intercession of His Mother, Mary, continue to bless you.